'Impossible to measure' - USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino on Lionel Messi's impact for Inter Miami, MLS and American soccer

Mauricio Pochettino, who once played for Newell's Old Boys - the same team where Inter Miami's Lionel Messi spent his youth academy days - hailed the Argentine's influence on MLS.

In an interview with CNN Mexico, the new USMNT manager suggested that Messi's presence alone has helped raise the standard of the league - and predicted further success in the future.

Pochettino also touched the U.S. vs. Mexico rivalry and potentially coaching in his native Argentina one day in a wide-ranging interview.

Pochettino's comments come ahead of his first two matches as U.S. boss - friendlies against Panama and Mexico. He accepted the USMNT job last month, and will face the task of preparing the squad for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in America, Mexico and Canada.

Pochettino praised Messi's influence on MLS: "The impact is impossible to measure because it is incredible. Not only on the fans, but on everything. The ability to motivate everyone, the entire structure around him, but the impact of seeing him compete with the players, especially those in the MLS... It will have an impact not only in the present, but over time, in the medium and long term. One thing that has been given is having the possibility of having the best player in the world competing there, being able to see him and touch him. I think that generates confidence and the ability to believe in the objectives that can be achieved in the future. Incredible."

The new manager also spoke about the rivalry between the USMNT and Mexico: "It's clear that the mentality is always to win. And I can't say that I don't want to win the next game. We're going to want to win every game...But it's clear that the long-term approach is the World Cup and the goal is to arrive with the best possible preparation to compete in the best way possible at the World Cup. That said, we want to win every game, we want to win against Panama, we want to win against Mexico, with the circumstances we face in these games and obviously knowing that it is our first contact with these players and that time is limited. But the players also have to understand that time is limited. We have to adapt in the best way possible and that is through believing in what we are doing and being as willing as possible to understand the way in which we are going to apply all the concepts, and the philosophy in which we want to develop our game."

The new coach also conceded he would like to some day manage in his native country - with either Newell's or the national team highlighted as possibilities: "Well, I think it's clear that my team, Newell's Old Boys. And why not one day coach Newell's? It would be great and although I know there are many other great Argentine coaches, the Argentine national team could also be there at some point, if the possibility arises."

The Argentine took his first training session as U.S. manager on Monday, and will have a short window to prepare the side for a friendly against Panama which kicks off Saturday.

Messi, for his part, is on the hunt for a 2024 MLS Cup, with Inter Miami heading into MLS playoffs as presumptive favorites to capture a first championship in club history.